Teddy Bear Rolls Recipe

My mom used this recipe when I was a little girl, and I've shared the tradition with my own daughters. They like to help shape the chubby little bears. Served with honey butter, these rolls are "bear-y" special.
-Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

Nutritional Facts

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the milk, sugar, oil, egg, salt and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. For each bear, shape a 2-in. ball for the body. Add a 1-1/4-in. ball for the head and six 1/2-in. balls for the ears, arms and legs. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.

Bake at 400° for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Add raisins for eyes, anchoring with a dab of frosting. Add a frosting smile.

In a small bowl, beat honey butter ingredients until fluffy. Chill; serve with rolls.Yield: about 10 rolls (1-1/4 cups butter).

Originally published as Teddy Bear Rolls in Taste of Home
February/March 1996, p33